Why Does Scratching Feel So Good… If It’s So Bad?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 12, 2025
You know that feeling—you get an itch, and no matter how much you try to ignore it, it takes over your brain until you finally give in.
You scratch… and for a blissful moment, relief washes over you.
But then, BAM! The itch comes back, angrier than ever.
Sound familiar?
Turns out, there’s a scientific reason why scratching feels so satisfying—but also why it’s the worst thing you can do for your skin.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh has cracked the code on why scratching worsens rashes like eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and poison ivy.
And it has everything to do with how your body responds to inflammation…
Researchers studied mice with eczema-like rashes to see what happens when they scratch. The results? Scratching causes a flood of inflammatory immune cells to rush to the area, making the skin swell up and become even itchier.
The key player? Mast cells. These are special immune cells that get activated when you scratch, releasing substance P—a chemical that triggers even MORE inflammation.
It’s like throwing gasoline on a fire.
This means the more you scratch, the worse your rash gets. And yet… it feels so darn good.
That’s where the paradox comes in. If scratching is so bad for us, why does it feel so amazing?
Turns out, scratching may have evolved as a survival instinct.
The researchers found that scratching actually helps remove bacteria from the skin—including Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacteria involved in skin infections.
So, in a way, scratching serves a purpose: it can help keep harmful microbes in check.
But before you start scratching yourself raw, the damage far outweighs the benefit—especially when it comes to chronic conditions like eczema and rosacea.
If you’re stuck in an endless loop of itching and scratching, here’s what you can do instead:
- Cool It Down: Apply a cold compress or ice pack for a couple of minutes to numb the itch and reduce inflammation.
- Moisturize: Dry skin makes itching worse. Use a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin barrier strong and discourage scratching.
- Use Anti-Itch Creams: Look for options with hydrocortisone, colloidal oatmeal, or menthol to soothe irritation.
- Clip Your Nails: If you scratch in your sleep, keeping your nails short can minimize damage.
- Distract Yourself: Instead of scratching, press on the itchy area, tap it, or even pinch a nearby area to trick your brain into thinking you’ve relieved the itch.
Scratching may feel amazing in the moment, but it’s a sneaky little trick your body plays on you. Giving in only leads to more inflammation, swelling, and misery in the long run.
So next time you feel an itch creeping in, remember to resist the scratching!
P.S. Soothe eczema flare-ups with THIS light treatment.
Source:
Liu, A. W., Zhang, Y. R., Chen, S., Edwards, T. N., Ozyaman, S., Ramcke, T., McKendrick, L. M., Weiss, E. S., Gillis, J. E., Laughlin, C. R., Randhawa, S. K., Phelps, C. M., Kurihara, K., Kang, H. M., Nguyen, L. N., Kim, J., Sheahan, T. D., Ross, S. E., Meisel, M., . . . Kaplan, D. H. (2025). Scratching promotes allergic inflammation and host defense via neurogenic mast cell activation. Science.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...
Mailbag: The "Natural Navigator" Method for Finding Your Perfect Doctor
“I would like to know what questions are the best to ask when looking for a new naturopathic practitioner? How do I find the best naturopathic endocrinologist for my needs? Is it OK to see your naturopath virtually?” —Natural Navigator Hi Navigator, You’re asking some brilliant questions about finding the right naturopath (or, really, any...
Study Reveals How Diabetes "Hijacks" Your Brain's Memory Center
The damage uncontrolled diabetes can do—from your eyes to your kidneys—is well known. But now, alarming new research shows it could also be damaging your brain in ways we never imagined. In fact, researchers have found that type 2 diabetes may “rewire” the brain in ways eerily similar to early Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need...
Weird Tea Trick Calms Your Mind While Boosting Focus
You know the drill… If you want to feel more alert, coffee gives you the jolt you need. But when it’s calm that you seek, chamomile tea soothes you to sleep. But what if you could drink a beverage that can do both at the same time? A natural compound found in certain teas offers...